Electronic conferences can often be the source of frustration and wasted resources as participants may be forced to contend with extraneous sounds, such as conversations not intended for the conference, provided by an endpoint that should be muted. Similarly, participants may speak with the intention of providing their speech to the conference but speak while their associated endpoint is muted. As a result, the conference may be awkward and lack a productive flow while erroneously muted or non-muted endpoints are addressed. By detecting erroneous audio settings, endpoints can be prompted or automatically corrected to have the appropriate audio state.
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2. The conference server of claim 1, wherein the processor performs executing the muting action, further comprising, signaling the contributing endpoint to cause the contributing endpoint to energize a muting prompt circuit.
4. The conference server of claim 3, wherein the processor determines that the audio portion comprises human speech that is extraneous to the conference content upon determining that the at least one of speaking volume, pitch, range, tone, or pace of speaking of the audio portion differs from the at least one of speaking volume, pitch, range, tone, or pace of speaking of the audio profile and that the difference is greater than a previously determined threshold.
5. The conference server of claim 1, wherein the participant audio profile comprises at least one of speaking volume, pitch, range, tone, or pace of speaking as sampled from the conference content that follows the participant being addressed by name by another participant associated with a different one of the plurality of endpoints.
7. The conference server of claim 1, wherein the processor further performs, causing each of the plurality of endpoints to present indicia of the muting action associated with the contributing endpoint.
9. The conference server of claim 8, wherein the processor performs executing the unmuting action, further comprising, signaling the contributing endpoint to cause the contributing endpoint to energize an unmuting prompt circuit.
11. The conference server of claim 8, wherein the processor performs the determination that the contributing endpoint is erroneously muted, further comprising, upon determining the encoded sound comprises speech that follows the participant being addressed by name by another participant associated with a different one of the plurality of endpoints.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the muting action, further comprising, signaling the first endpoint to cause the first endpoint to energize a muting prompt circuit.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein executing the unmuting action, further comprising, signaling the first endpoint to cause the first endpoint to energize an unmuting prompt circuit.
This invention relates to communication systems, specifically methods for managing audio muting in a conferencing environment. The problem addressed is the need for a clear and reliable way to signal participants when their microphone has been unmuted, ensuring proper communication and reducing confusion during conferences. The method involves a system where a first endpoint, such as a user device, is part of a conferencing session. When an unmuting action is executed, the system signals the first endpoint to activate an unmuting prompt circuit. This circuit generates a visual or audible indication that the microphone has been unmuted, alerting the user. The unmuting action may be triggered by a user input, an automated system, or another participant in the conference. The prompt circuit ensures the user is aware of their microphone status, preventing unintended audio transmission. The method may also include additional steps such as verifying the unmuting action, confirming the endpoint's readiness, and ensuring the conference session is active. The unmuting prompt circuit may be integrated into the endpoint's hardware or software, providing flexibility in implementation. This solution enhances user awareness and control in conferencing systems, improving communication clarity.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the determining whether the second audio portion is erroneously muted, further comprises, upon determining that the audio portion comprises encoded sound further comprising speech that follows the participant being addressed by name by another participant associated with a different one of the plurality of endpoints.
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May 18, 2020
November 15, 2022
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